Baba (2002)

Baba is special because it takes Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life charisma and drops it into a spiritual fable that actually wants to argue with disbelief, not just preach at it. The vibe is a glossy, crowd-pleasing mix of drama, action, and fantasy where punch-line humor and signature mannerisms share space with big, earnest questions about karma, power, and what you do when the universe hands you a miracle. Suresh Krissna keeps it moving with striking visuals and early-2000s graphics that lean into the mythic scale, making the film feel like a modern legend told with mass-movie swagger. It won’t be for everyone—if you’re allergic to star-driven spectacle or on-the-nose spiritual themes, it may feel indulgent—but if you want an ambitious, high-concept Rajini vehicle with heart and a metaphysical twist, it’s an easy recommendation.

Baba is clearly trying to fuse Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life star power with a spiritual morality tale about faith, karma, and what you do when “divine power” lands in your lap. The problem is it plays like several movies fighting for control at once—mass-hero swagger, political potshots, fantasy spirituality—and the tone can feel confusing and oddly preachy rather than thrilling or moving. If you’re hoping for a clean, crowd-pleasing Rajini entertainer or a tightly written fantasy drama, this may feel like a letdown. That said, if you’re a committed Rajinikanth fan or you enjoy message-heavy, mythic storytelling even when it’s messy, there are moments of charisma and sincerity that might still land.